Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionA compliance analysis assesses the impact of China's State Council Decree No. 837 on cross-border structuring and overseas listings. The regulations expand outbound investment reviews to include national security and export control scrutiny. Chinese groups managing holding entities and special purpose vehicles in Middle Eastern hubs like the UAE face new compliance requirements.
Polymer manufacturer Covestro presented advanced material solutions at the China International Import Expo under the pavilion of its majority shareholder, ADNOC. During the event, Covestro signed a memorandum of understanding with MEGA P&C Advanced Materials to develop specialized coatings for clean energy and maritime equipment.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. (18) of 2026 concerning Dubai Municipality on November 12, 2026, replacing its original 1961 founding order. The statute defines municipal jurisdiction across the entire emirate, including free zones such as DIFC unless explicitly exempted. It also permits the outsourcing of municipal functions to private contractors and enforces corporate reporting requirements.
A report from China Business Law Journal outlines revised draft measures by China's National Development and Reform Commission on overseas reinvestment compliance under State Council Decree No. 837. The proposed rules seek to remove the USD 300 million threshold for non-sensitive projects undertaken by controlled overseas enterprises, requiring filings 20 working days prior to investment execution. This expansion directly impacts Chinese corporate groups using subsidiaries in the UAE and Gulf region.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority issued a public clarification establishing mandatory verification procedures for input VAT deductions. Taxable entities must review supplier status, operational substance, commercial rationale, and payment structures before claiming recovery. Failing to maintain documented due diligence enables the authority to disallow deductions.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
US House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that consensus is growing within Congress to tighten restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports to China. The statements follow the resignation of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang amid an investigation into alleged technology leakage to Beijing. Johnson noted the issue has become a top legislative priority as the US Department of Justice continues its inquiries.
The UAE Cabinet has issued executive regulations under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, coming into force on January 1, 2027. The measures introduce vehicle impoundment and fines for vehicles exceeding national noise thresholds while exempting unmodified factory exhaust systems. The rules also establish a nine-hour driving limit in any 24-hour window, reinforce child passenger safety requirements, and cap individual resident vehicle registrations at five.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No. (18) of 2026 modernising the legislative framework of Dubai Municipality and replacing its founding order from 1961. The legislation defines the municipality's governance structure, urban planning mandate, and jurisdiction across the emirate, including special development zones and free zones. It also authorises Dubai Municipality to outsource functions and powers to public or private entities under formal agreements.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
Chinese steel mills and traders have expanded direct hot-rolled coil offers to UAE buyers on a CFR Jebel Ali basis. UAE buyers booked approximately 50,000 tonnes of Chinese steel to avoid delays exceeding 90 days at alternative regional ports.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai celebrated its fifth anniversary with over 350 government and business attendees. Over the past five years, bilateral trade between Hong Kong and the UAE expanded at an average annual growth rate of 8.2 percent. Officials underscored Hong Kong's role as a connector linking the Chinese Mainland with the UAE and wider GCC markets.
CNPC subsidiary BGP presented its integrated geophysical services and field-tested exploration equipment at ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The showcase included robotic inspection devices, drop-hammer vehicles, and distributed acoustic sensing technology. BGP highlighted its ongoing partnership with ADNOC, having completed 26 onshore seismic projects in the UAE since 2017.
UAE business leaders and international asset managers expressed sustained optimism regarding foreign investment into the Emirates at the Bloomberg Invest Dubai conference. Semafor reported that private equity firm Blackstone deployed more capital in the region over the past year than ever before despite eight months of regional conflict. Regional executives highlighted continued project execution and capital inflow resilience across key commercial sectors.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia following repeated missile and drone interceptions. Officials warned of risks to civilian airports, energy facilities, and regional transport infrastructure.
Energy & Sustainability
The Dubai crude prompt market spread narrowed sharply from +$11.03 to +$1.03 per barrel between October and November 2026 as regional supplies grew. Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait cut December official selling prices by $2 per barrel to protect Asian market share. Chinese refiners simultaneously increased purchases of Atlantic Basin crude, with West African Agbami landing about $4 per barrel cheaper than Abu Dhabi's Murban in Ningbo.
Energy & Sustainability
Chinese automaker BYD exhibited its YANGWANG U9 Xtreme electric supercar at the Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The vehicle recently set a global production-car speed record of 503.17 km/h during tests in Abu Dhabi. The exhibition, co-organised by Dubai's RTA and China EV100, gathered 120 mobility and infrastructure companies.
Technology & Digital Economy
Nvidia's board of directors is evaluating whether to remove co-founder and chief executive Jensen Huang after reports emerged of a second extramarital relationship involving a subordinate executive. The development follows an internal investigation into Huang's admitted infidelity with a businesswoman previously scrutinized by US intelligence over alleged ties to Chinese intelligence. Following the reports, Nvidia shares fell between 7 and 8 percent in extended trading.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Official travel advisory
Saudi Arabia, Yemeni border area within 10 km, civilian airports
Transit restriction
Strait of Hormuz
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Official travel advisory
Bahrain
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
Discover forums, exhibitions and business gatherings connecting people across China and the UAE.
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Connect with businesses across China and the UAE. Exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and contribute to a community that values cooperation, mutual understanding and peace.
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